LUCERNE, Switzerland – Former Washington State University rower, Lisa Roman, placed first, earning gold and capturing the yellow jersey, as part of Canada’s women’s eight crew at the 2014 World Cup III at Lucerne, Switzerland.

After racing the previous days for lanes, Canada was the team to beat in Sunday’s final, placed next to the European Champions, Romania. The Canadian women’s eight crew took an early lead in the race and never looked back, crossing the line in a time of 6:10.53 with clear water back to the Romanian crew. Romania came from behind to take second, finishing nearly four seconds behind Canada and less than half a second ahead of third with a time of 6:14.50. Great Britain placed third with a time of 6:14.74, followed by Germany (6:18.32) in fourth, Netherlands in fifth (6:20.23) and Australia in sixth (6:21.35).

“We had a good plan going in and I think we executed it,” Roman said to World Rowing. “The A Final is tough because the whole field pushes for it but we had a bit more of an incentive because the Canadian Women’s Eight has never won in Lucerne before.”

A transfer from University of the Fraser Valley, Roman competed with the Cougar varsity rowing team for three seasons, rowing in the varsity boat all three years (2010-12). She is a two-time all-conference honoree, and in 2012 was named to the CRCA All-West Region First Team and the Pocock All-America Second Team. Last season she also competed in national competition as a member of Canada’s women’s eight boat, capturing bronze at the World Rowing Cup. In 2013 she rowed with Canada’s Western Rowing Club at the Henley Royal Regatta and in 2011 she represented Canada at the Under-23 World Rowing Championships.

The Canadian team captured second at 2014 World Cup II at Aiguebelette, France in June of this year, finishing behind the United States. The team will now return to Canada for final preparations before the 2014 World Rowing Championships starting on August 24 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.